Behind the Scenes, But Ahead of the Curve: Why Practice Managers Are the Tech Leads of Education
As a software engineer with over a decade of experience in full-stack development and technical leadership, I know firsthand the importance of having strong support systems in place to help teams thrive. In the world of education, one of the most critical yet often underrecognized roles is that of the practice manager.
Also known as instructional coaches, teacher leaders, or professional development specialists, practice managers play a vital role in supporting the growth and success of teachers – not dissimilar to the ways in which tech leads, senior developers, and engineering managers enable the success of their development teams.
This Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to shine a light on these unsung heroes and draw some parallels between the important work they do and the practices we use in the tech industry to build high-performing teams.
The Power of Effective Coaching and Mentorship
In the world of software development, having access to experienced mentors and coaches can make all the difference in one‘s growth and success. A 2019 study by Codementor found that 89% of developers who received mentorship reported being happier in their careers, and 84% said having a mentor helped them become better programmers.
Similarly, research has consistently shown the positive impact of instructional coaching on teacher practice and student outcomes. A meta-analysis by Kraft, Blazar, and Hogan (2018) found that teacher coaching programs led to significant improvements in instructional quality and student achievement, with effect sizes larger than those of most educational interventions.
| Outcome | Effect Size |
|---|---|
| Instructional quality | 0.49 |
| Student achievement | 0.18 |
Effect sizes from Kraft, Blazar, & Hogan (2018)
Just as senior developers provide guidance, code reviews, and feedback to help junior developers grow, practice managers offer coaching, modeling, and support to help teachers refine their craft. They observe classes, offer constructive feedback, model effective instruction, and facilitate reflective conversations that prompt teachers to analyze and improve their practice.
Using Data and Systems Thinking to Drive Improvement
Another key parallel between practice managers and tech leaders is their use of data and systems thinking approaches to identify areas for improvement and drive change.
In software development, we rely heavily on metrics like code quality, performance, and user feedback to gauge the effectiveness of our work and identify opportunities for optimization. Similarly, practice managers use a variety of data sources – such as student assessment results, classroom observation rubrics, and teacher self-reflections – to understand strengths and gaps in instruction and tailor their coaching approaches accordingly.
Practice managers also bring a systems thinking lens to their work, considering how various components (curriculum, assessment, student support structures, etc.) interact to create conditions for success. Much like how a skilled architect designs a software system to meet evolving needs, practice managers help design and continuously improve the instructional systems and processes that enable teachers and students to thrive.
Adapting to Meet Evolving Needs
Just as the technology landscape is constantly evolving, requiring developers to continuously update our skills and knowledge, the world of education is also dynamic and complex. Practice managers must be able to nimbly adapt to shifting priorities, new initiatives, and the diverse needs of their teacher teams.
During the pandemic, for instance, practice managers played a vital role in helping teachers navigate the sudden shift to remote and hybrid learning. They curated resources on digital tools and platforms, provided training on online instruction best practices, and found creative ways to translate in-person coaching to virtual environments.
This kind of adaptability, creative problem-solving, and willingness to learn are key traits that set apart successful tech leaders as well. In a field where the tools, languages, and approaches are always changing, the ability to learn quickly, think outside the box, and adjust course as needed are invaluable skills.
Creating a Culture of Continuous Growth
Perhaps one of the most important things practice managers do is foster a culture of continuous learning and growth. They model curiosity, vulnerability, and a commitment to ongoing improvement – sending the message that even the most accomplished teachers have room to grow.
This growth mindset culture is something we strive for in tech as well. The best engineering teams are those where members feel psychologically safe to take risks, admit mistakes, and learn from each other. They prioritize ongoing professional development through pair programming, code reviews, lunch and learns, conference attendance, and more.
Creating this kind of environment doesn‘t happen by accident – it requires intentional effort and strong leadership. Practice managers, like skilled tech leads, put in this effort every day by building trust, encouraging reflection, celebrating successes, and normalizing the inevitable challenges of growth.
Appreciating Our Unsung Heroes
Despite their vital role, practice managers (like so many in support roles) often operate with limited recognition and fanfare. They work tirelessly behind the scenes – planning, coaching, problem-solving, researching – all in service of helping teachers and students succeed.
This Teacher Appreciation Week, I encourage school and district leaders to consider how they can show appreciation for these unsung heroes. Some ideas:
- Provide dedicated time and funding for practice managers to engage in their own professional learning
- Offer competitive compensation that recognizes the skills and experience required for instructional leadership roles
- Establish clear career pathways and opportunities for advancement
- Celebrate practice managers through public shout-outs, awards, and other recognition
- Solicit feedback from teachers on how practice managers can best meet their needs
But appreciation doesn‘t have to come just from the top. As teachers, students, parents, and community members, we can all play a role in recognizing the important work of practice managers. A simple thank you note, shout-out on social media, or heartfelt testimonial at a school board meeting can go a long way in making these educators feel seen and valued.
Leveraging Tech Tools to Support Practice Managers‘ Work
As a technologist, I‘d be remiss not to mention the ways in which thoughtfully designed software can help practice managers work more efficiently and effectively. Some tools and platforms to consider:
- Observation and feedback tools like Whetstone Education and Sibme that streamline the coaching process and enable easy tracking of teacher progress over time
- Professional learning platforms like TORSH Talent that provide access to on-demand training and support virtual coaching
- Data visualization tools like Tableau that help practice managers identify trends and communicate insights with stakeholders
Of course, technology is no panacea and can‘t replace the power of human connection and expertise. But when used strategically, it can help practice managers expand their reach, work more efficiently, and ultimately serve teachers and students more effectively.
A Call to Action
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, let‘s remember to appreciate ALL the educators who make a difference in students‘ lives – including those who work behind the scenes to support teacher growth and success.
To my fellow technologists: consider how you might use your skills and platforms to support and elevate the work of practice managers. Perhaps you can volunteer your time to help a local school or district improve their data systems, or develop an app to streamline instructional coaching workflows. Maybe you can advocate for more funding and support for instructional leadership roles in your community.
To school and district leaders: take a hard look at how you‘re supporting and valuing your practice managers. Are they given the time, resources, and recognition they need to do their best work? How can you create more opportunities for them to grow and lead?
And to practice managers: know that your work matters deeply, even when it feels challenging or thankless. You are making a difference each and every day by believing in the power of great teaching and working tirelessly to cultivate it.
As Kendall Zoller and Claudia Cummings write in their book The Choreography of Presenting, "In a world where heroes are often associated with the most visible and vocal, we argue that the true heroes are those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that learning and teaching are happening at the highest levels."
Practice managers: you are those heroes. This Teacher Appreciation Week and beyond, we see you, we value you, and we thank you.
